my kitchen redo: big changes on a tiny budget

November 4, 2010

Well, finally, here it is! The long story of how I transformed a plain white-wall and oak-cabinet kitchen into a kitchen I can live with—on a tight budget, without spending on new cabinets or countertops, and doing it all myself.

after—I actually like my kitchen

Here you'll see what I started with: cold white walls, white tile floors, cheap fake oak cabinets, and a very bad layout. You can only go up from here, people!

Boring, ugly, cold. Get me out of this kitchen.

I knew absolutely that the first order of business was to paint, but it took me a long while to decide on color. In the meantime, I played with the layout (that set of cabinets to the right in the picture were not screwed to the wall, which meant I could move them anywhere—yippee!) and I was lucky to receive new appliances as housewarming gifts from Mom and Dad (double-yippee!).

Phase 1 Quick Fixes

1. Create new layout for better flow and use of space.

2. Replace old appliances.

3. Remove upper cabinet doors for a more modern look.

4. Remove pantry door for easier access.

5. Remove glass ceiling fan shades and replace with drum shade.

6. Cover up cold white floors with a rug or two.

not there yet

Here's the kitchen in transition. But many things are still wrong with this space. I hate the range sitting all along on that wall. It's so far away from the sink. And it's next to the entry on the left and the basement door and pantry and upstairs access on the right. This is a high-traffic area and so, cooking here makes no sense. And I might even more detest that itty bitty single cabinet next to the range. Drives me crazy. The itty bitty kitty does not drive me crazy. Well, most of the time.

a too-big fridge—or is it just in the wrong spot?

I thought I'd try the fridge over here, but it's so bulky. And with no recess to back it into, it's taking up way too much room. Also, there are more entries and exits here: the fridge has the living room entry on the left and a pantry on the right. The layout's still not working.

getting ready to paint

What did work is moving the double cabinet that used to be all alone and a few steps to the sink and adding it to the sink wall of cabinets. This extends counter space and makes this almost look like a real kitchen! Nevermind that the wall behind it is set back. Building that out and creating a linen closet (the bathroom entry is to the left) is Phase 3—maybe in the spring!

What's also working is the paint color I tested on that wall—Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Hollow. But maybe a little lighter. In the end, I went one shade lighter to Brandon Beige.

if you can't have a window over your sink, this is not a bad alternative

I love the way my chalk/corkboard fits perfectly over the sink. I pin recipes here and write a shopping list or menu. I had no wall space to mount my set of wine ledges, so I sat them on top of the upper cabinets to create a sort of wine rack. (Maybe I should write on the chalkboard: buy more wine.)

a new layout and new look

The range works better over here. And I love the stainless shelf above it, where I can line up spices, lean artwork, hang utensils, and use a magnet to mount a recipe or two as I'm cooking.

not a bad place to cook

a better spot for the fridge

And the fridge works better over here. The basket on top makes me happy. And makes it hard to reach snacks! You also might notice two oddly placed little frames near the door. I kind of like that they're low and off-center, and that's good, because they're hiding wall boo-boos that were really hard to fix with wall compond. So, I say where you cannot fix, conceal. And, you probably can't help but notice the ugly ceiling fan blades. Lighting is expensive. I have not gotten around to replacing this yet!

Murphy soaks in the new atmosphere

didn't think I could get more counter space, but moving things around helped

So there it is. I can live with this! At some point, when I've got the funds, I'd love to just gut the whole thing and start over: new cabinets, counters, backsplash, flooring, ceiling, lighting, farmhouse sink, faucet, table and chairs. But I live in the real world. And this kitchen, it works for that.

22 comments

Thanks, Julie. It was fun to see the place change! And felt good to spend so little. I paid just for paint, rugs, lampshade, cabinet hardware, and the stainless shelf. I already owned everything else or received it as a gift!

Great job! So nice. One suggestion - what about a shelf for your microwave right above it's current location? You could then slide your coffee pot under it and gain yourself a bit more space. Just a thought! Looks really great!!!!

You did SUCH a great job! I love how you worked with what you had and made it a functional and beautiful space! You really picked the best layout and it just looks so good! Congrats! And you know I'm a sucker for White Dove cabinets. :)

I loved reading the thoughts behind the details Casey. You have done so much with color and layout to completely transformed your kitchen and it looks great. (I'm loving Raccoon Hollow, btw) The chalkboard above the sink was a terrific idea.

First, of all I love your cat's name! ;) Second, you did a fabulous job with your kitchen and I value your explanations behind your thought process. I believe it is easier to do design w/an endless budget, but it is definitely more challenging to do it on a tight budget! And, you did it! Great job, Casey!

I really like what you've done. It looks so good and what a surprise from the before picture. I like the wall color and the cabinets look fantastic. I'm a huge fan of white! I like how you swapped the fridge and the stove. They look like they're made for the spots you've moved them to. Great job! It was fun to follow along.

Casey, the wine ledge is AWESOME- looks like a fun molding/trim @ the top of the cabinetry. Nice work. May I ask where you got it? You have inspired me to give my gross kitchen a mini-lift, probably after the 1st of the year. Keep up the great blogging!

I came across your blog after doing a search for "brandon beige" on google. I am in the process of painting my kitchen the same color! I love the look of the rich beige in the kitchen!!! Your kitchen is gorgeous!! nice job!

Hello! I've been following your blog for a while now and I love it! I am currently in the process of redoing my dining room and I wanted to ask you where you got your dining table in your kitchen. I have been searching for a farm table for MONTHS and its driving me crazy that I can't find one! I love the look of yours. Thank you! :)